Larry C. Abbott reflects on his honor judging the 2025 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and the quality of the breed entries.
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Larry C. Abbott: Westminster is held in very high esteem in our household. Being such a part of the history of our dogs and show careers, it was such an honor to be invited to judge the 2025 event. From being back in Manhattan to experiencing how well the organizers utilized and dressed-up such a wonderful venue (Javits Center), coupled with the excitement of having a sold-out MSG again for watching the Groups… simply put, something I’ll never forget!
Larry C. Abbott: Before discussing the breeds specifically, in my opinion, judging breeds at WKC is similar to walking into a BOB competition at a National Specialty, but having each of them back-to-back all in the same day or two. In addition, within many of the Breeds/Varieties, there was quite a mixture of good dogs (including some heavily campaigned in 2024, new dogs early in their show careers that I saw for the very first time, dogs from other countries, and dogs brought out of retirement), which provided a rare opportunity to make in-depth comparisons with each class. Overall, the depth was stunning and a joy to adjudicate. And finally, I’d like to recognize and thank my Ring Stewards for both days. They each made everything outside my ring seem to disappear, allowing me to focus only on my job of judging. They were a bonus to the assignment, and I enjoyed each of them greatly.
Affenpinscher: BOB, with his beautiful monkey-like appearance, gave the impression of being sturdy, compact, and square, with moderate angulation. And while the entry was rather small, there was good quality, well deserving of the ribbons awarded.
Biewer Terrier: While the breed is relatively new to the Toy Group (2021), the quality found in BOB was very deserving, with his pleasing expression, overall balance and slightly off-square proportion, soft/silky coat texture, and graceful/smooth gait. The entry was overall of good quality.
Brussels Griffon: A very competitive and deep entry had me wanting for more AOM to be awarded. BOB, with his almost human expression and upswept nose and pout, and large, soft eyes, was sturdy, with a thickset, cobby, and mature body.
Chihuahua (Long Coat): A very nice entry displaying well-balanced, compact bodies and beautiful, apple dome skulls, this group of Long Coats was a pleasure to have in my ring. Each was carrying their saucy attitude as they marched around the ring. BOV was a lovely bitch that just showed her beautiful head, eyes, and ears off every time I came back to her.
Chihuahua (Smooth Coat): Another wonderful entry, the Smooth Coats were similar in so many ways to the Long Coats. BOV was very sound in body, with good reach and drive, and a lovely head, ear set, and expression. He owned the ground he stood over.
English Toy Spaniel (B&PC): While the entry was somewhat small in quantity, there was very good quality. BOV was a lovely bitch with wonderful proportions in her well-domed skull, ear and eye placements, and wide, upturned lower jaw, resulting in
beautiful expression.
English Toy Spaniel (KC&R): Similar to the B&PC entry, while small in number the quality was very good. BOV also possessed a beautiful expression for the same reasons mentioned about the B&PC BOV. Her essentially square body, depth of chest, and well laid-back shoulder gave her a complete package.
Manchester Terrier (Toy): A very solid entry of Toys with keen/alert expressions combined with proper wedge-shaped, long and clean heads, and smooth, compact, muscular bodies with power and agility. BOV had a slight arch over robust loins properly falling slightly to his tail set, along with his free and effortless gait. BOS was a lovely bitch that possessed many of the same qualities as BOV. It was a pleasure having them both!
Manchester Terrier (Standard): A somewhat smaller entry than the Toys, the quality found in BOV was similar in many ways with the Toy’s BOV and BOS; a very typey head and body with proper silhouette and movement in this very nice representative of the breed.
Larry C. Abbott: The 2025 show year seems to have taken off with a great start. Quality at the shows we’ve attended so far has been very good, with depth throughout the Groups and into many of the breeds. So, I’d say it could be a banner year with the hope of growth continuing. On the months ahead—just my wish for everyone to travel safely and enjoy each and every day.
Meet the Judges
Sharon Ann Redmer reflects on judging Herding breeds at Westminster 2026, highlighting breed function, type, and standout winners.
